Apple cider vinegar first surfaced as a popular natural health benefits to many beauty, healthcare, and lifestyle issues. After getting raving reviews from dieticians and beauty vloggers, it became the hidden gem that had finally gained its well-deserved popularity.
High in health benefits, apple cider vinegar is apple juice that has undergone a fermentation process twice. It is made by crushing apples and mixing them with yeast, sugar, or another source of carbohydrates.
The natural fermentation process takes place due to the yeast present in the juice. The presence of natural bacteria causes carbohydrates into alcohol. This is followed by a second fermentation process that turns the alcohol into acetic acid. The final concoction is known as apple cider vinegar or ACV.
Apple cider vinegar is readily available in local stores all over the world. You can buy pasteurized or raw apple cider vinegar, depending on your preference. The natural bacteria and yeasts present in apple cider vinegar are known as the ‘mother’ and have various health benefits. These bacteria and yeasts are found in a sedimented form at the base of the apple cider vinegar bottle.
The acetic acid found in apple cider vinegar has various health benefits. Natural probiotics present in ACV help in strengthening your immune system and gut health. Apple cider vinegar has antioxidants that prevent cell damage.
Let us go over some health benefits of apple cider vinegar to lead a healthy lifestyle.
Blood Sugar Management
The biggest and most famous claim of apple cider vinegar’s potency is that it helps in lowering blood sugar, helping people with diabetes control their sugar levels. Post-meal consumption of apple cider vinegar has proven effective in reducing one’s glucose level.
The effective regulation of blood sugar can benefit people who have been diagnosed with Type 2 diabetes and help prevent the onset of diabetes in prediabetic people. However, the results found are when ACV is used in combination with other natural remedies and medications.
Apple cider vinegar alone isn’t sufficient to regulate your bl;ood sugar. However, it helps a lending hand in micro-management through natural food combined with exercise and a diabetic-friendly diet.
Apple cider vinegar improves insulin sensitivity and function, resulting in lowered blood glucose levels. People who tend to be insulin-resistant can benefit from the consumption of apple cider vinegar which works similarly to the famous blood sugar-lowering drug metformin but differs in potency.
Apple cider vinegar should not be used as a substitute for other blood glucose managing tools such as medication, diet, and exercise; instead, it should be used as a way to facilitate efficient regulation of sugar levels in your bloodstream.
Relief From Indigestion and Acid Reflux
Dealing with GERD, acid reflux, indigestion, and other forms of gastrointestinal issues can be challenging and annoying. Apple cider vinegar is endowed with raving reviews for being effective as an acid reflux remedy.
Before consuming apple cider vinegar, consult your doctor to prevent any potential side effects. Apple cider vinegar has proven to work wonders for people suffering from digestion issues and heartburn. But, there isn’t any science backing its claim as an acid reflux remedy.
Aids In Weight Loss
When venturing on your weight loss journey, even a little help boosting your fat loss can go a long way. Apple cider vinegar acts as an enabler when it comes to helping you attain your weight loss goals.
Adding apple cider vinegar to your diet and consuming it after every meal can help you lose more weight , mainly when used in conjunction with a healthy diet and exercise. It is advised to consume one teaspoon to 2 tablespoons of apple cider vinegar per day. You can add ACV to a glass of water or use it in cooking in a salad dressing or flavoring in pasta.
Vinegar induces a sense of fullness, reducing hunger pangs, leading people to consume fewer calories without starving themselves. Apple cider vinegar helps curb obesity and manage your weight successfully.
Promotes Healthy Skin
Apple cider vinegar has proven effective in reducing skin issues such as acne, scarring and adds a healthy glow to your face when applied topically as a face mask. Apple cider vinegar is used to treat dry skin issues such as eczema and psoriasis by balancing the skin’s pH level. It enhances the protective layer of your skin, which gets damaged with the prolonged use of harsh chemicals found in soap.
Apple cider vinegar has antibacterial properties, which help in reducing the risk of topical infections. This is why apple cider vinegar is used extensively as a toner or face wash in diluted form.
It should be noted that, like any vinegar, apple cider vinegar is potent and needs to be diluted in water or tea before consumption. Apple cider vinegar isn’t ideal for people who suffer from low potassium levels or consume heavy insulin-related medications.
An excellent way to treat common skin issues such as dull skin, acne, and dry skin is using apple cider vinegar in the form of a face mask. You can add bentonite clay or fuller’s earth to apple cider vinegar and apply topically for a rejuvenated and healthy look.